Botswana, Russia ties good

Daily News

11/02/2016

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has applauded the Russian federation for consciously acknowledging diplomacy as an indispensable tool of global governance.

She was speaking during the occasion to commemorate the Russian Diplomatic Day in Gaborone on Tuesday. The event was held at the residence of the Russian embassador.

She said as a small developing country, Botswana’s vulnerability compels it to subscribe to a world of order which abhors the use of force as a primary tool to settle disputes between states, hence Botswana’s strong belief in the relevancy of the UN.

Dr Venson-Moitoi further said Botswana acknowledges the important contribution of this historic day, which is closely associated with the history of Russia’s first Foreign Affairs Agency- the Ambassadorial Department. She further noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Botswana and Russia, the two countries have been engaged in efforts aimed at further strengthening these relations.

The friendship between the countries of Botswana and Russia continues to grow from time to time as evidenced by recent ties in the area of professional training, health care, law enforcement and parliamentary bonds.

For his part, the Russian ambassador to Botswana Mr Victor Sibilev said both countries have close or similar positions on many issues of regional and international agenda.

Mr Sibilev noted that what brings the two countries together is the common commitment towards ensuring stability and security, sustainable development and establishment of fair international trade relations.

Russian Diplomatic Day was established to commemorate the founding of the Russian Diplomatic Service in 1549 and is marked every year on February 10. Ends